Нагласи и социални дистанции на най-големите етнически общности в България спрямо имигранти

Author(s): Yolanda Zografova,Diana Bakalova,Antoaneta Hristova,Borian Andreev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2015

The intensified processes of mobility and migration, specifically after the accession of Bulgaria to the EU, result in increasing ethnic diversity, changing configuration of ethnic communities, and hence, complicated interethnic relations in the country. Besides the “traditional” ethnic minorities, the number of immigrant minorities, particularly from some Arab countries, is continuously increasing. The main objective and contribution of this study was to examine attitudes and social distances towards immigrants – Russians and Arabs – not only on the part of ethnic Bulgarian majority, but also on the part of the largest ethnic minorities in the country – Bulgarian Turks and Roma. The study was a part of a larger survey among 1216 respondents with ethnic Bulgarian, Bulgarian Turkish and Roma self-identification in 3 Bulgarian districts with different proportions of ethnic minorities. Attitudes towards Russians were found to be more positive, and social distances towards them – shorter, compared to those towards Arabs. Still, attitudes towards Arabs were not as negative as attitudes towards Roma, who had been known to face the severest discrimination for years. Ethnicity turned out a significant factor for attitudes and social distances towards the immigrants. The effects of perceived economic status and some socio-demographic factors were also scrutinized.

Права на природата – насред екологичната есхатология и правната теория

Author(s): Stoyan Stavru / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2016

With the increase of the ecological problems and most of all with the increase of the adverse to human beings climate changes, the question of nature protection from human impact is (more) often raised. This brings a number of ethical and legal questions, including those with the potential to change the subjective structure of the currently existing law. The article attempts to systematize the holders of legal personhood and to locate potential areas for the rights of nature in the law structure. We could outline a “full range of legal entities”, which includes two major categories: physical persons and legal entities. Physical persons can be divided into two groups: people (human persons) and other individuals (nonhuman persons). Legal entities can also be divided into two groups: social entities, the most common of which are corporations, and natural entities, the most common of which are ecosystems. So the outlined categories and groups are symmetric: on one side there are animals as “nonhuman” physical persons and natural formations as legal entities, and on the other side – people as “human” physical persons and their social formations as legal entities. This symmetry in the delineation of possible legal personhoods creates conditions for balance on a structural level – at the level of structure of law there are already comparable mechanisms for balancing the interests of people with those of animals, and the interests of corporations with those of ecosystems.

Отношения на нараняване. Основания на преживяване, несъзнавани трансмисии и насилие в социалната практика

Author(s): Jürgen Straub / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2016

People live in “collective relationships of harm and vulnerability”. This social-theoretical concept focuses on the fact that people interact as vulnerable subjects and subjects capable of violence whose vulnerability, solidified in dispositions, may be considered the result of violence sustained and inflicted in historical constellations. Following an outline of psycho-analytical research results, the author presents the concept of transgenerational transmission of serious (traumatic) injuries and emphasizes the importance of enactments as a special form of unconscious actional retrospection in social situations. It is argued and illustrated that these and other traces of collective violence – even those dating back to the early centuries – are eminently manifest in modern immigration societies (e. g. in interactions with political refugees). From a normative perspective, the author advocates a heightened sensibility towards harm that presupposes a differentiated concept of violence that also includes symbolical and psychological forms. After giving a short explanation of two modes of symbolical and psychological injury that are important in migration societies – “dyspresentation” and certain forms of omission, namely silence –, the author finally discusses the ‘danger’ of promoting a dubious “tribunalization” of psycho-social realities through an increasing (scientific) sensitization for relationships of harm and vulnerability.

Членството в ЕС и икономиката на България

Author(s): Georgy Ganev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

The goal of the present study is to delineate one possible framework for analyzing the economic effects of Bulgaria’s membership in the EU, as well as to offer initial observations informing the analysis. The analysis concentrates on the internal dynamic of Bulgarian economic indicators in their relation to the country’s EU membership and is based on the method of the analytical narrative. The initial analysis offered uses to focus levels – macroeconomic and microeconomics, and tries to account for the importance of both the membership and pre-accession periods. The assessment with respect to both the macroeconomic indicators and to various microeconomic processes is undoubtedly positive.

Победители и губещи: промените в структурата на българската икономика в последното десетилетие

Author(s): Latchezar Bogdanov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

The period before Bulgaria’s accession to the EU was marked by high rate of economic growth. Both final consumption and fixed capital formation are factors that contributed to this growth. During that period a sizable net inflow of foreign capital was recorded, in the form of foreign direct investment and new debt accumulation of the private sector. These trends persisted throughout the first two years of the EU membership. The global economic crisis led to a sharp contraction of investment activity in Bulgaria, with the employment falling for four consecutive years. The impact of the crisis, combined with the effect of the common market resulted in considerable shifts in the structure of the economy. In 2015 the industry already had the highest share in the gross value added. The share of some manufacturing sectors in the exports of goods have risen by 500% or even 800% during the last decade. The role of export-oriented business services also significantly increased, becoming a key job creator in recent years.

Финансова децентрализация: състояние и перспективи

Author(s): Yavor Alexiev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

The deteriorating state of municipal budgets creates a number of obstacles to their use as a tool for policy-making. The discontinued fiscal decentralization process and some of the recent attempts to address the problem of increasing indebtedness among local authorities created prerequisites for an increase in the local tax burden, while prospects for improving the fiscal situation of municipalities are still lacking. The structure of municipal expenditures shows an increasing importance of the absorption of EU funds and a continuing dependence on the decisions of the central government. The relocation of personal income tax proceeds back to municipalities seems the only viable alternative within the existing tax system.

България в европейската социална политика: интеграция на практики, дезинтеграция на модели

Author(s): Tatiana Tomova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

This article’s aim is to assess the progress in social policy field made after the Bulgarian EU accession. Due to the European Social Policy’s peculiarities, this change - to a great degree – depends on internal factors and especially on the abilities of the Member-States to formulate specific goals and handle tools that are relevant to their own problems and to obtain favorable results. Based on strategic documents analysis, as well as on a comparison of social indicators, the thesis that the European Social Policy does not alternate the accession market model of social policy, set in early post-communist transition, is argued. This model generates a growing inequality -- before as well as after the social transfers. In the same time, during the decade of Bulgaria’s EU membership a favorable trend of poverty reduction is observed. However, it cannot compensate the country’s lagging behind the other Member-States in the social policy field. The needed stark progress ought to pass through a reformulation of the already adopted Social Policy model.

Доколко ефективни са европейските структурни и кохезионни фондове?

Author(s): Dessislava Nikolova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

The record of the biggest net beneficiaries of EU structural and cohesion funds and the review of related literature show that the effects of these transfers on the national economy are not necessarily positive and depend on a myriad of other factors. According to some studies, the impact of EU funds can be even negative on the recipient country under certain circumstances. If net beneficiaries wish to benefit most from these transfers, there are two approaches that can be taken – separately or cumulatively. Firstly, these countries can channel the EU funds to projects that help strengthen local institutions such as initiatives for e-government, open and objective judiciary, administrative streamlining, effective law enforcement and the like. Secondly, the beneficiary country, parallel to utilisation of EU funds, should not shelve reforms that aim to achieve a better institutional environment. If none if these approaches is taken, recipients of EU funds face the risk of putting an excessive focus on absorption of EU funds, at the expense of freezing or delaying much-necessary reforms.

Десет години европейско членство: дефектна демокрация, зависими институции

Author(s): Atanas Slavov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1-2/2017

This article is focused on the effects of EU membership of the country in ten years perspective. The study analyzes institutional and legislative reforms, related to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, establishing independent regulatory and controlling bodies for fighting political corruption and conflict of interests. These issues are studied in a comparative regional perspective taking into account the tendencies and phases in developing democratic institutions (their consolidation, stagnation and erosion). Institutional reforms are analyzed in the light of common European standards for strengthening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary as well as taking in the light of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. The conclusion builds on the idea that legislative reforms are necessary, but not sufficient in achieving common democratic standards for independence and accountability of key institutions. These reforms need to be complemented by inclusion of important stakeholders and active participation of civil society actors in the process.

Идеологии за тялото и пола във философската естетика и култура през ХХ век

Author(s): Mitko Markov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2020

The aim of this paper is to show the continuation of the problem related to male nudity (in the form that Western civilization inherits the topic from the Ancient Greeks) during the development of the political and philosophical thought and the aesthetic perception of the same in the 20th century. The modern ‘canon’ concerning the male body is the result of many factors that precede and succeed the rise and fall of the totalitarian fascist regimes, the foundation of modern sports and the rise of gay liberation movement.

Secularism, Religion, and Identification beyond Binaries: The Transnational Alliances, Rapprochements, and Dissent of German Turks in Germany

Author(s): Nil Mutluer / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2020

This article discusses the ways in which power-based socio-political shifts in Turkey during the AKP (Justice and Development Party) era transnationally influence the relations between and within the Muslim German Turkish communities and their organizations in Germany. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, archival research and reflexive discourse analysis, this article takes DITIB (The Turkish Islamic Union of Religious Affairs) in Germany, which is the affiliate organization of Diyanet (The Presidency of Religious Organization) in Turkey, and analyses its relations with other German Turkish organizations such as Milli Görüş (The Islamic Community of National Vision) and the Gülen Movement in Germany. Such analysis reveals the dynamics of competition between secular and religious, as well as intra-religious, actors and how their members claim their religious and socio-political rights beyond binaries.

Book review

Author(s): Theodora Saltidou / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2020

Поколенията „Z“ и „Aлфа“ и мултитаскингът (многозадачността) в сферата на образованието

Author(s): Natalia I. Vitanova,Gergana Gerova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 9/2020

This article attempts to describe the features of the 'Z' and 'Alpha' generations, whose natural habitat is currently the school institution. One of the common characteristics of the two generations is multitasking. The peculiarities of multitasking as a phenomenon and its projections in the field of education are reviewed. Researchers’ different viewpoints are presented about this phenomenon as their opinions are diverse and even polarized. They vary widely from heavy multitasking to its total rejection. The issue of ultitasking is topical and in the future it will spark particular research interest in the context of online instruction which is becoming increasingly intensive (especially after the COVID-19 pandemic), and the widespread introduction of edtech in the sphere of education.

Students’ knowledge evaluation as a motivating tool in learning objectives

Author(s): Ivaylo Staribratov,Manya Maneva,Rosen Valchev / Language(s): English Issue: 9/2020

The assessment of knowledge, skills and competencies aims in not only evaluating and comparing students’ learning objectives but also measuring another particularly important function - the motivation. The article examines assessment in the context of the competency model set out in the new law on pre-school and school education and its understanding by students and the level of motivation. Data from a study of motivational attitudes in students are presented in direct correlation with the methods and different ways of assessment, as well as with the analysis and the feedback from students. The analysis is based on surveys conducted with students from 11 to 19 years of age covering all types of schools in Bulgaria. Results are statistically reliable in clusters, variance and regression analysis.

FUNERAL AND COMMEMORATION CEREMONIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOVEREIGN FAMILIES IN BULGARIAN CITIES AFTER THE LIBERATION

Author(s): Valentina Vaseva / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2020

The text deals with the peculiarities of the funeral ceremonies for members of the ruling families from the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. After the Liberation of Bulgaria, four members of the sovereign families have been buried on the territory of the country – Prince Alexander I of Battenberg in 1893, Princess Maria Louise in 1899, Queen Eleonore in 1917 and Tsar Boris III in 1943. The establishment of a new funeral culture in the Bulgarian cities after the Liberation takes place within the framework of the collective cultural processes caused by the shift in the socioeconomic conditions. Following the untimely death of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg and the fulfillment of his death wish to be buried in Bulgaria, a norm for royal burials, which until now did not exist in the cultural traditions of Bulgarian cities, was necessary to be rapidly introduced from Europe and adapted for Bulgarian conditions. The funeral of Prince Ferdinand’s first wife, Princess Maria Louise, is the first female royal funeral. Thus, gradually, at the end of the 19th century the royal burials, along with the bestowing of posthumous honors to royalties, became an integral part of the urban culture of the Bulgarians. The representatives of the ruling families were the elite of the Bulgarian society and after their deaths they were buried particularly solemnly, with government and military honors, following planned programs in accordance with the requirements of the Palace Protocol, which were published beforehand in the press.

Приложение на анализ на големи данни при предотвратяване на зараза и контрол на COVID-19

Author(s): Vladimir Vladimirov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 6/2020

Compared to traditional reports and statistics on the ground, the Big Data Analysis method can reduce the use of labor and material resources by reducing the risk of personal concealment. Such method can also identify and locate suspected patients efficiently by informing their contacts in order to isolate themselves. Big data analysis can help the work of medical and community workers and reduce the risk of infection. The methodology works successfully in reducing the general isolation time and promoting the recovery of economic activities.

ELEMENTE DE LIMBAJ SEXIST ÎN LIMBILE ROMÂNĂ, ENGLEZĂ ȘI SPANIOLĂ – STUDIU CONTRASTIV

Author(s): Raluca Ghenţulescu,Florina-Cristina Herling / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 2/2019

Due to an unfortunate past, in which women, as well as people of different origins were regarded as inferior beings by the majority of the male population, in many languages, both Latin and Germanic, there are a lot of idiomatic expressions with negative connotations about these “minorities”. The Other – seen as any person belonging to another gender, race, nationality or sexual orientation – is perceived as strange, wicked or misfit. This negative attitude towards women is usually reflected at the lexical level, in the idioms used in the conversations with or about them. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a contrastive study in three languages – Romanian, English and Spanish – of the expressions with sexist connotations, in order to identify the similarities and the differences between them and to get a clear picture of what lies beneath them, at the level of collective mentalities in various societies.

Overview of the Trade Relations Between the European Community/Union and the United States at the Threshold of Globalization and Post-globalization Era

Author(s): Rett R. Ludwikowski / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2020

The main goal of this article is to present to the European reader the implications of the unstable relationships between the United States and an integrated Europe. The article focuses on the trade relations between the US and Europe in the globalization era. It explains the meaning of some basic terms used by trade experts, such as globalization, regionalization, glocalization, and strategic trade. The author also tries to explore the reasons for the recent crisis of global trade. The main part of the paper reviews the major disputes between these two regions which resulted in postponing of the negotiations of the Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Agreement. As we have observed in the introduction of the article, the relationships between the European Union and the United States have always been complicated and the article presents the main reasons for these disagreements. In a time of renewed Trans-Atlantic negotiations, pro-American sentiments in Europe grew stronger, and European experts on trade and politics emphasized that the US significantly increased support for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). Still, with comments repeated by President Trump many times that “Europe needs its own army”, the European media began warning the readers that the crisis in US-EU relations may soon return.

The Influence of Populistic and Protectionist Policy of the Trump Administration on the Treatment of Foreign Nationals Applying for Immigration Benefits

Author(s): Anna M. Ludwikowski / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2020

The article focuses on the obstacles to legal immigration imposed by the Trump administration against those who are already in the US pursuant to their valid non-immigrant classification and those who are abroad and trying to reunite with family members in the US or seeking entry having a legitimate job offer from a US employer. Recent changes in US immigration policy have been achieved through restrictive interpretation and enforcement of existing law by the USCIS which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, and by the State Department (DOS) rather than by substantive legislative changes done in Congress. The article provides an overview of the most recent governmental restrictions affecting so called “business immigration” and family-based immigrant processing, and also restrictions on suspension of entry to the US due to Covid-19, introduced through presidential proclamations. Although the federal courts blocked several of these administrative initiatives, the anti-immigrant atmosphere is having a big negative impact on many groups of foreign nationals. Nationalistic notions of “making America great again” that should be accomplished through “buy American and hire American” principle, and legal uncertainty causing ongoing federal lawsuits will undoubtedly lead to America’s further isolationism if President Trump wins the November 2020 election.

КЊИЖЕВНА СОЦИЈАЛИЗАЦИЈА И НАСТАВА КЊИЖЕВНОСТИ

Author(s): Marina M. Petrović Jülich / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 71/2020

Im Schulsystem sollte die Literatur nicht nur durch traditionelle Verfahren–Frontalunterricht und analytische Verfahren, die durch Frage (der/die Lehrende) und Antwort (der/die Lernende) vermittelt werden. Vielmehr musste das in unserer multimedialer Zeit auch auf andere Weise geschehen, die handlungs- und produktion- sorientiert sind und andere Medien nicht ausser Acht lassen (Film, Musik, Hörspiel, Computer). Um den Ist-Zustand im intitutionellem Literaturunterricht zu beleuchten, wurden unter einer Gruppe von 10 Germanistikstudierenden qualitative Untersu- chungen durchgeführt und die durch Interwievs gewonnenen Daten analysiert. Das Ziel der Untersuchung war es, nicht nur den Ist-Zustand zu untersuchen, sondern auch Vorschläge für die Änderung der Unterrichtspraxis zu geben.